In Memoriam: Roger K. Lewis (1941-2024)

Roger K. Lewis

It is with a heavy heart that the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation announces the passing of our President, Roger K. Lewis, who died on Wednesday at his home in Washington, D.C. after undergoing a medical procedure. He was 83, and is survived by his wife Ellen, their son Kevin and his wife, and four granddaughters.

Roger’s dedicated leadership and steadfast commitment to Peace Corps Park has been critical in building the coalition that brought us from the initial concept through a competitive design competition and numerous rounds of design reviews to an elegant result that is scheduled for final approval this month. His legacy will live on in our hearts, and in every part of this project that he championed with such vigor and skill.

A celebrated author, architect and journalist, Roger’s history with the Peace Corps and volunteer service dates from his time in Tunisia, where from 1964-66 he worked with local partners to design some 30 government buildings as a Peace Corps Volunteer. After returning to the U.S., he opened his own architecture and urban design firm, and worked on a range of projects that included residential developments, community centers, and affordable housing. At the University of Maryland in College Park, he served on the faculty for 37 years, and was a founding faculty member of the School of Architecture, where he taught and mentored dozens of young architects.

Roger was well known and influential as the author of “Shaping the City”, a column that appeared in the Washington Post for more than 30 years. The column featured his clever cartoons and commentary on the changes in the urban landscape of our nation’s capital and the implications for the people who live and work there. For many years, he was a regular guest addressing these topics on WAMU’s weekly Kojo Nnamdi Show. He also volunteered his time and lent his design expertise as an advisor on commemorative works such as the World War I Memorial that was dedicated just three weeks ago.

Roger’s journey as a champion of the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation began more than 12 years ago, and its work remained his most passionate commitment until the day of his death. He was instrumental in persuading Congress to authorize the project under the Commemorative Works Act in 2014 and worked as a close partner with the National Park Service, which will own Peace Corps Park in perpetuity. In subsequent years, he led the PCCF in sponsoring a series of competitions to select a design team, and interacted continuously with the chosen designers, public artist Larry Kirkland and landscape architect Michael Vergason, to refine the design and secure formal approval. After our $10 million capital campaign got underway, Roger became our most eloquent and persuasive spokesman.

Roger’s passion for the values of peace, generosity and friendship have left an indelible mark on us, on Peace Corps Park, and on the countless visitors who will experience the meaning and message of the Park. We are lucky to have benefited from his wisdom and guidance and invite all of those who knew and loved Roger to share your tributes to him in whatever form you like. You may share your memories of Roger in a reply to this email, and we thank you for your role in ensuring that his legacy lives on in Peace Corps Park.

With affection and deepest respect,

Tony Barclay

Acting President, Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation

Peace Corps Education Volunteer in Kenya, 1968-70